OSLO – One of Uganda’s long-distance runners, Jacob Kiplimo came second at the Oslo Diamond League on Thursday.
The 2023 World Cross Country reigning Champion finished the race in a time of 12:41.73 – a microsecond behind Ethiopia’s Yomif Kajelcha, who crossed the finishing line in 12:42.72, securing a win in the hotly contested race – and ahead of another Ethiopian –
The crowd loved it – appreciating a brilliant men’s 5,000m performance that came down to a photo- finish as Kejelcha and Kiplimo both clocked 12.41.73 – the fifth-fastest of all time – with the Ugandan missing out through lack of luck on the day.
Kiplimo patiently sat on his rival’s shoulder until the final bend but after he surged ahead, Kejelcha responded as the Bislett Stadium fans roared them home. They both dipped for the line like sprinters and Kejelcha was given the decision by less than a hundredth of a second.
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Kiplimo said after the race that he was turning attention onto the World Championships preparations – slated for August in Budapest, Hungary.
“I am happy that, I have achieved my goal of running a personal best in 5000 metres – my focus now is training for the World Championships,” he said.
Brassi Iacopo, Kiplimo’s personal coach said that his athlete’s performance was a sign of an anticipated better show at the world championships.
“No doubt that Kiplimo will deliver exceptional results in Budapest,” said Iacopo.
Sarah Chelangat, emerged seventh in the female 3,000 metres race with a time of eight minutes and 16 seconds also setting her personal best.
